SWWC IT² 2026

Educational technology should never be implemented simply because it is available. It should be deployed with purpose, aligned to instructional goals, and used to create meaningful learning experiences that improve outcomes for students. Over the past decade, schools have experienced an unprecedented expansion of devices, digital tools, online resources, and data systems. The rapid transition to remote learning accelerated technology adoption across K-12 education, often leaving districts little time to fully align technology investments with instructional practices, professional learning, and long-term strategic goals.

Today, school leaders face a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, increasing concerns about student screen time and distraction, heightened expectations around data privacy and cybersecurity, and growing demands for digital literacy and citizenship. At the same time, communities expect schools to prepare students for a future in which technology and AI will be embedded in nearly every aspect of work, learning, and daily life.

This session will challenge participants to rethink the role of technology in K-12 education and explore what it means to implement technology with purpose. Together, we will examine how districts can move beyond technology for technology's sake and develop systems, practices, and cultures that support learning, empower educators, and prepare students for an increasingly digital world. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for aligning technology initiatives with instructional priorities, fostering responsible and effective AI use, strengthening digital citizenship, and ensuring that technology investments positively impact student learning. The future of educational technology is not about more tools. It is about making intentional decisions that help students become capable learners, informed citizens, and responsible stewards of our intellectual, natural, and digital resources.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

This session will share a practical, real-world look at how SWWC and Minneota Public Schools are approaching the new federal digital accessibility requirements. Participants will learn why accessibility matters, what the work actually looks like beyond the website, and lessons learned along the way … from remediating websites and PDFs to building staff awareness and accessible content-creation habits. The presenters will also discuss common challenges, tools and strategies that have helped, and realistic steps districts can take now. Attendees will leave with ideas and resources to help them start, or strengthen, their own accessibility efforts without feeling like they have to fix everything at once.

Target audience identified by presenter:
Technology Leadership, Technology Integration

Esports is already happening in your building. Students are competing online after school with no oversight, no safety net, and no district infrastructure behind them. A sanctioned program brings that activity onto systems you control, but it also lands squarely on your desk: network segmentation, endpoint management, student data privacy, and budget ownership all come with the territory. This session is a practical playbook for Technology Directors weighing whether and how to launch a scholastic esports program, plus the adjacent categories of drone racing and golf simulator leagues. We'll walk through the real infrastructure build list (hardware, network, space), the network and data governance decisions that matter most, staffing and coaching models that don't burn out one person, funding paths beyond a single line item, league and title selection, and the curriculum ties that turn a club into a CTE and STEM pathway. We'll close with the pitfalls that trip up most first year programs and a 90-day roadmap from "someone should do this" to opening match. Attendees will leave with a concrete framework for evaluating a program proposal or building one for their own district.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

K-12 technology teams face growing technical and cybersecurity demands while operating under constant pressure, limited staffing, and nonstop interruptions. This interactive session explores how stress, burnout, communication breakdowns, and unrealistic expectations often create technical and security problems long before technology fails. Through real-world examples and audience discussion, participants will examine the human side of cybersecurity culture and leave with practical strategies for building healthier, more resilient technology environments in schools.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees;

During this presentation we'll review some of the biggest Cybersecurity Risks and ways to protect your network with defense in layers. We do a quick check on Lifecycle of Windows software and review the latest password standards in NIST 800-63B.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

In this session, we will explore what makes a modern classroom function with the wide ranging types of technology and needs that teachers and students have to learn in our current day. We will explore interactive displays, classroom audio, digital signage, and wireless casting as the four key elements that schools are updating and implementing to impact teaching learning. We will also explore other areas and topics and open the floor to discussion. New interactive displays and how you can update your existing fleet; How wireless casting can simplify and get you connected not just to the device; Classroom audio isn’t just about amplifying the teachers voice, but now how it integrates with emergency alerts and provides quick access to support; How digital signage is changing how schools represent themselves while also keeping everyone safe

Target audience identified by presenter: Technology Leadership;Technology Systems and User Support;Technology Integration

Device management is no longer just about knowing what you have. It is about using accurate, timely data to make better decisions around refresh cycles, support needs, budgeting, and long-term planning. In this session, we will explore how K-12 technology teams can move from basic inventory tracking to a more proactive lifecycle management strategy. Using district examples and insights from DICE, a device intelligence and lifecycle management platform designed to help schools track inventory, monitor fleet health, and plan for future technology investments, attendees will see how device data can provide better visibility into fleet status, longevity, and planning priorities. We will also discuss how emerging AI-enhanced insights can help technology leaders identify trends, reduce uncertainty, and build stronger device strategies. Attendees will be invited to share feedback on the tools, processes, and capabilities they would find most valuable in the future of K-12 device management, creating an interactive discussion focused on practical outcomes and continuous improvement.

Target audience identified by presenter: Technology Leadership;Technology Systems and User Support;Cybersecurity

We’ll cover the key stages of the Chromebook lifecycle, including long-term purchasing strategy, repairability, device value and longevity, warranty considerations, and other factors that help districts make smarter Chromebook decisions.

Target audience identified by presenter: Technology Leadership;Technology Systems and User Support

The Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL®) certification has become a respected benchmark for technology leaders who are committed to advancing innovation, leadership, and strategic impact in education. But what is the certification process really like, and how has earning the credential influenced the careers of those who hold it?

Join a panel of CETL-certified education technology leaders representing K-12 schools and educational service agencies as they share their personal journeys toward certification. Panelists will offer perspectives ranging from those who have held the CETL credential for more than a decade to leaders who earned their certification in the past couple of months.

Through candid discussion and audience Q&A, attendees will gain insight into preparing for the certification process, balancing professional responsibilities with study and professional growth, the evolving role of educational technology leadership, and the lasting value of the CETL credential. Whether you are actively pursuing certification, considering it for the future, or simply interested in learning from experienced technology leaders, this session will provide practical advice, inspiration, and real-world perspectives from professionals who have successfully navigated the journey.

Key Takeaways:
- Learn why education technology leaders pursue CETL certification.
- Understand how the certification process has evolved over time.
- Gain practical preparation strategies from successful CETL recipients.
- Discover how the credential has influenced leadership opportunities and professional growth.
- Connect with a community of education technology leaders committed to continuous learning and excellence.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

A candid recap of what actually happened when we joined our fleet to Entra ID and rolled out Intune — the surprises, the workarounds, and the policies that looked simple on paper but weren't. Expect real config gotchas, a few facepalms, and practical tips so you don't repeat our mistakes.

Target audience identified by presenter: Network Support ;Technology Leadership;Technology Systems and User Support

You’re the go-to person for all things tech in your district and increasingly expected to handle administrative tasks like budgeting, strategic planning and security. This session is designed for K-12 technology professionals ready to embrace and enhance their leadership capabilities. We will explore opportunities to hone leadership skills, foster valuable collaborations and find support among colleagues available through regional, state and national organizations like SWWC, COSN-MN, MASA, ISTE and more. Join us for an open discussion, idea sharing and learning.

Target audience identified by presenter: Technology Leadership